Ibiza & Formentera Preservation has called on the European Parliament and the European Commission to ban or permanently restrict the import of large ornamental trees from mainland Spain to the Balearic Islands According to the foundation, invasive snakes are brought to Ibiza and Formentera mainly in the root balls of mature ornamental trees – such as centuries-old olive trees – and threaten the endemic Lagartija pitiusa (Podarcis pityusensis). The Pityusic Islands, comprising Ibiza and Formentera and their surrounding islands, are considered a stronghold of the species.
The petition to the Parliament’s Petitions Committee and Environment Committee aims to have possible bans or tighter controls assessed under EU law. The EU’s remit would cover single market rules, the regulation on invasive alien species and the Habitats Directive; implementation and checks at points of entry would be the responsibility of the Spanish and Balearic authorities. The Petitions Committee can seek information from the European Commission and make recommendations, while the Environment Committee assesses compatibility with EU law.
The organisation is also calling for the Lagartija pitiusa population to be assessed through an updated survey. The foundation says reference studies date from 2017 and 2022; new counts should follow the methodology used in 2022 to reliably record changes caused by the spread of snakes. It is also calling for a dedicated conservation programme for the species. This would include systematic analysis of capture data, targeted use of traps, the creation of safe refuges and ex-situ breeding, with a view to later reinforcement or reintroduction measures.
In addition, Ibiza & Formentera Preservation advocates a scientifically monitored, adequately funded and verifiable action plan to tackle established snake populations, focusing on coastal areas and small, isolated islands. The foundation views ongoing initiatives such as the LIFE Reptiles and funding from sustainable tourism positively, but demands transparency about what proportion of the funds directly benefits the Lagartija pitiusa. The Balearic government is meanwhile reporting extensive trapping efforts; according to official figures, more than 4,400 invasive snakes have already been caught in the Pityusic Islands.
The situation of the Lagartija pitiusa is considered precarious. According to the foundation, the species is listed in relevant conservation catalogues; the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies it as Vulnerable. The demands aim to close identified routes of introduction and bring together and strengthen existing conservation measures at Balearic and EU level. The EU institutions have yet to decide on the requested import restrictions.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).